New option is valid for flights beginning next Jan. 27

Southwest Airlines will begin offering seat selection on July 29 for flights beginning on Jan. 27, 2026. The policy reverses a long-held tradition dating to the founding of the airline.  Tony Roach, executive vice president customer & brand, said, “Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our customers — including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats — and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin.”

Customers will be able to choose from various fare bundles, some that offer the opportunity to select a seat during the booking process, as well as access to the different seat types — Extra Legroom, Preferred and Standard. Customers will also be able to purchase a seat upgrade.

Rapid Rewards Credit Card members, depending on which card they hold, can select a seat at booking or within 48 hours of departure, regardless of which fare they purchase, including Basic fares. A-List and A-List Preferred Customers will have access to select a seat at booking regardless of the fare they purchase, including Basic fares.

As Southwest begins to operate with assigned seating on Jan. 27, 2026, the airline will also begin a new group-based boarding process that is optimized for assigned seating. It will prioritize customers into groups based on seat location, beginning with Extra Legroom seats in boarding Groups 1-2. Premium fares and Southwest’s most loyal customers — Tier Members and credit card members — will board earlier in the process.

Customers will be able to purchase priority boarding beginning 24 hours prior to departure to be among the first to board.